See more objects with the tag Bauhaus, color theory, abstract, lithograph, tones, complementary colors, color value.

Object Timeline

  • We acquired this object.

1921

  • Work on this object began.

2018

2025

  • You found it!

Print, Farbenkugel in 7 Lichtstufen und 12 Tönen (Color Sphere in 7 Light Values and 12 Tones)

This is a Print. It was written by Johannes Itten and designed by Johannes Itten and published by Utopia Verlag.

This object is not part of the Cooper Hewitt's permanent collection. It was able to spend time at the museum on loan from Smithsonian Libraries and Archives as part of Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color.

It is dated 1921. Its medium is lithograph on paper.

Professor Johannes Itten created a color sphere, represented by this 12-pointed star, as a tool for students at the Bauhaus. Itten failed to incorporate more recent discoveries made by Albert Munsell regarding the relationship between value and saturation, which resulted in less symmetrical models.

It is credited Smithsonian Libraries, N7430 .U86 1921X.

Our curators have highlighted 4 objects that are related to this one. Here are three of them, selected at random:

  • Sample Plate (Denmark)
  • moulded and glazed porcelain, with enamelled color.
  • Museum purchase from Charles E. Sampson Memorial Fund.
  • 2003-5-4
  • Buffaloware Sample Plate
  • molded and glazed earthenware.
  • Museum purchase from General Acquisitions Endowment.
  • 2005-11-3

Its dimensions are

H x W: 47 × 32.5 cm (18 1/2 × 12 13/16 in.)

This object was previously on display as a part of the exhibition Saturated: The Allure and Science of Color.

There are restrictions for re-using this image. For more information, visit the Smithsonian’s Terms of Use page.

If you would like to cite this object in a Wikipedia article please use the following template:

<ref name=CH>{{cite web |url=https://collection.cooperhewitt.org/objects/1108749927/ |title=Print, Farbenkugel in 7 Lichtstufen und 12 Tönen (Color Sphere in 7 Light Values and 12 Tones) |author=Cooper Hewitt, Smithsonian Design Museum |accessdate=23 February 2025 |publisher=Smithsonian Institution}}</ref>